Picture Perfect Patriots

A 38-35 win over the New York Giants capped a magnificent 2007 regular season for the New England Patriots. As a result, they've set numerous league records along the way.

Team
*NFL-record 16-0 regular season.
*NFL-record 589 points scored in one season.
*NFL-record 75 touchdowns in one season.

Individual
Tom Brady: NFL-record 50 TD passes in one season.
Randy Moss: NFL-record 23 TD receptions in one season.

Fittingly, Brady and Moss made their marks on the same play. Peep their record-breaking feat below.


Wow. Simply amazing.

Spice Girls

Call me a wuss but I'm hell bent on seeing the Spice Girls on their reunion world tour when it makes its stop at Hong Kong. No dates yet from the official site though.

Take a peek at a recent performance the Spice Girls had at a UK television show. They performed the sexually-laced track, "2 Become 1".

Jessica Alba, out of the game

Easily the worst news I've heard/read recently.

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Jessica Alba Engaged to Baby's Father
December 27, 2007

Los Angeles (AP) - Pregnancy has been an engaging experience for Jessica Alba.

The 26-year-old actress, who announced earlier this month that she's expecting, is now engaged to her boyfriend and the baby's father, producer Cash Warren.

"I can confirm that they are engaged," Alba's publicist, Brad Cafarelli, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Thursday.

The couple is expecting their first child in late spring or early summer, Cafarelli said.

Alba stars in the thriller "Awake," and recently appeared in "Good Luck Chuck" and "The Ten." The sex symbol first gained fame as an action star on TV's "Dark Angel," then in films including "Fantastic Four" and "Sin City."
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NNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Did I just hear half of the world's male population cry suicide?

Re-upping my license, Round 2

I finally got my license renewed this morning. But not after waiting for over an hour though. So it wasn't a breeze at all, even if I'm done with all the requirements already. Talk about Philippine government bureaucracy.

Oh yeah, did I mention this is my second visit? I went last week but their machine bogged down while I was lined up.

Fantasy going .500

After going unbeaten (4-0) during the first four weeks of NBA.com fantasy play, I've lost the last four.

Holy shit.

I'm now holding a mediocre 4-4 record which is good for 5th in my division (8th overall). Injuries to Lebron, MemO and TMac have cost me a ton of fantasy points but I ain't making any excuses though. I just have to raise my game, and I have to do it soon.

Sunday habit

Coming to the office every Sunday seems like a weekly habit for me since my broadband got busted. This is like the 5th or 6th consecutive Sunday that I dropped by Eastwood to go online, among other things.

I know we're going to get a new service provider but I'm not sure when they will be coming to install and set it up. highly likely that it will happen next year already.

Speechless

Damn, she makes me change my mind about smoking.

Cabs and Christmas

One of the things I hate about the Christmas season?

It's infinitely more difficult to hail a cab nowadays. Seems like people who usually don't ride cabs start taking them this time of the year.

Re-upping my license, Round 1

I dropped by the LTO Satellite office at SM Hypermart Libis this morning to get my license renewed. Lo and behold, when it was my turn already their machine conked out.

Punyetang hassle ito. I've to go back one of these days to get it done. If it's any consolation, I finished all the requirements already (drug test, so-called medical exam, forms) so it should be a breeze the next time around.

26th

For the second consecutive year, I'm spending my birthday in the office. Some folks were asking why I came in and didn't choose to take the day off. My reply? Birthdays are fun in IBM.

No seriously, I think I just like the feeling of being greeted. Nah, I'm kidding. I just didn't have anything planned so why not just spend the day at work.

I hope to spend the next X more number of birthdays here. Now if only I didn't have a 6-10pm meeting tonight, I guess it would've been perfect.

Thanks to all the friends, colleagues, big bosses and everyone else who greeted.

Pigging out

I ate so much food today I think it can last me the whole week. At least, everything was free though.

First stop, Lunch at the Birthday Kapihan at 16F Cyberone for the November celebrants. Next, HROSC Christmas team dinner at Shanghai Bistro. Lastly, Lenovo Christmas party at McDonald's. As I write this, JC is inviting for late dinner here at Eastwood.

This is just too much.

Tat time again

The year is about to end in a couple of weeks. That means I still have about 15 days to make up my mind if I should get another tattoo.

For those who don't know, I've been getting ink done annually since 2004. It's a streak I intend to keep until I run our of blank skin.

Seriously though, I've a number of ideas in my head right now. It's just a matter of which I like most and where to put it.

Let's see how the next two weeks pan out.

Used?

For some reason, I think I'm at the wrong end of the stick again. And no, this is not about work.

Alcohol and National TV don't mix

I was never a Pinoy Big Brother fan but it was such a comic relief watching a visibly drunk and wasted Baron Geisler do hilarious antics while making a total fool out of himself. Too bad it was bitin last night as they had to cut the episode short. It should be one interesting laugh trip with the continuation tonight.

I hope someone posts these on YouTube for the whole world to see.

Toothy problem

I chipped my tooth on a freak accident last night. It's not obvious but I hate the way it feels like I just had a prophylaxis.

You know that rough feeling you get right after you have your teeth professionally cleaned? It's fuckin' annoying!!!!

Recent buzz

Gossip is usually nasty by nature. But this latest scoop I heard is downright funny and amusing.

My lips are sealed on the details but let's keep the rumor mill churning!

The game we play

A mentor told me recently that corporate politics is a game of perception and pressure.

I say X marks the spot.

U-Turn's back

It was a pleasant surprise seeing one U-Turn slot reopened today along Libis. It's the northbound slot in the middle of Greenmeadows and Ortigas Avenues. I no longer have to reach Ortigas Avenue to make the turn going back to Eastwood. I'd still prefer they opened either the Shopwise or the Grilla slot but this should suffice. Too bad for southbound vehicles they still have to go the Libis-Santolan interchange to make their U-Turn.

Undefeated: Mayweather vs. Hatton

It was dubbed as a 'USA vs. UK' fight. A battle among the biggest of allies. In the end, the American just proved to be too much for the Brit.

Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather scored a sweet 10th round knockout victory over Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton en route to retaining his WBC Welterweight title. Mayweather improves to 39-0, while Hatton drops to 43-1.

It was cool watching the fight with a continuous live coverage (ala pay-per-view) via Sky Cable's new channel, Balls (Ch. 33).

SPENT

I've got to admit, the past two days have been the most emotionally draining moments I've had this new millenium.

I'm still at a loss for words on why they all had to happen within 24 hours of each other.

Et tu, Brute?

Isn't it disappointing to find out that the person you expected a lot from held in high regard, is the one person that lets you down?

Venting frustration

How do you recover from a stressful and frustrating day?

Channel the angst and play great basketball.

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We had our weekly IBS hoops gig at Ateneo last night. An intense atmosphere provided a great backdrop for good competitive games. I was so drained after the games my tongue was left hanging.

If yesterday's showing was a sign of things to come, we're in for some serious balling.

Random musings on the Peninsula Standoff

- Fr. Robert Reyes announced that he was going on another hunger strike. What the fuck?! Another one of his hilarious antics. Last I checked, he said he will continue with his hunger strike until GMA resigns. Stupid priest eventually gave up.

- "He's too old to be sent to jail. Besides, at his age, he's automatically eligible for pardon." - Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol on whether Teofisto Guingona should be imprisoned. I have to admit, this quote got me rolling.

- The mediamen who refused to leave the Peninsula premises got what they deserved. They refused to leave despite repeated warnings. In case of a gunfight, they will surely be caught in the crossfire. I applaud the police in rounding these people up and sending them to Camp Bagong Diwa while on handcuffs. Buti nga.

- It's annoying how Philippine Media can sometimes be so stupid. They get arrested, hauled out of the hotel for obstructing police operations, and now they're crying harassment. Some are contemplating filing charges against the police. In case there was a bloodbath and some mediamen get killed, I'd bet my ass that they will still cry foul and sue. Either way, they'll blame the government. Wala ng mas tatanga pa sa mga ito. On the contrary, meron pala. Sila Trillanes.

- I like how this latest Trillanes caper didn't make any dent in society. According to reports, hotel guests and patrons of the Peninsula didn't give much fuss about several armed men entering the hotel premises. Most, if not, all continued with their business unmindful of the surroundings. The hotel itself was business as usual. The stock market and foreign exchange closed higher versus the previous day. The way I see it, majority of the people just didn't care about Trillanes. Just goes to show that there's no place for military adventurism in the country.

Makati Standoff; Trillanes has no balls

Mutineer-turned-senator Antonio Trillanes and former Army Scout Ranger chief Gen. Danilo Lim led a band of armed Magdalo rebels in occupying posh Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati, in a takeover eerily similar to the unsuccessful Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.

Trillanes and Lim, along with a dozen more soldiers, were being tried for rebellion at the Makati RTC when they walked out in unison. Several civil and church leaders led by Teofisto Guingona and Bishop Julio Labayen joined the march soon after. They traversed Makati Avenue and stormed the side entrance upon reaching the Pen.

They were demanding the ouster or immediate resignation of President GMA.

Chief negotiator and ground commander NCRPO Director Gen. Geary Barias issued a 3pm ultimatum for their surrender before the government takes appropriate action. A defiant Trillanes was heard saying, "Believe me, nothing will happen after three o'clock," while a frightened Bishop Labayen pleaded for for more time.

The 6-hour siege ended when a battalion of elite commandos barged through the main lobby behind a mammoth Simba (an armored personnel carrier) surrounding the rebels. Moments earlier, the Simba strafed the lobby with 50-caliber machinegun fire as the government troops filled the area with tear gas. Trillanes, who earlier swore he'd fight 'til the end, succumbed to the pressure and surrendered to the authorities.

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For a decorated Navyman, I have to say Trillanes is one fucking coward. Twice he could have proved he had balls to back his words and armed uprising, but twice he backed out at the face of death. I swear he (and everyone else involved) were releasing bodily fluids in every possible hole and exit points in their bodies upon seeing the massive military force they were up against. The government had no plans of holding back and decided to go all out. It was a futile mismatch from the get-go.

Still, I would have rather seen Trillanes and company slug it out with guns blazing. Unlike David and Goliath, this underdog had absolutely no chance. At least, if it's any consolation, he would've been true to his ideals as he goes down fighting.

ACL Surgery: 1 year after

It's been exactly one year since I had reconstruction surgery to my ruptured ACL. Initial observations pointed to at least 8-12 months of post-op rehab before I can play at pre-injury level. Lo and behold, 6 months later, I was back at full contact basketball.

I haven't been the best rehab patient. I wasn't that religious in going through my PT sessions. I feel very blessed, though, that I was able to recover and resume playing way ahead of schedule.

God is good.

One IBM at the national townhall

We were at the Silvercity Mall this morning to attend the national IBM Townhall. About 1000-plus of us selected representatives from the four IBM subsidiaries were invited. Gracing the event were top global executives led by IBM Corporation's second-in-command, EVP Nick Donofrio. He spoke about IBM's commitment to global innovation, and shared his compelling insights on how the IBM was able to transform businesses and governments around the world with the aid of technology.

Listening to Nick's impromptu speech made us IBMers proud of our immense contribution to society. Not a lot of companies can brag about that.

IBM leads Filipinnovation

IBM Corporation's numero dos, Nick Donofrio, is in town to launch the country's National Innovation Strategy, with no less than PGMA in attendance. They presented the strategy to the President during the National Innovation Forum held in Shangri-La Hotel Makati. IBM is spearheading this project.

The Philippine National Innovation Strategy covers three major aspects of innovation - human capital, industry and public policy.

IBM, time and time again, proves that it stands at the forefront of global innovation.

EARTHQUAKE!

We just experienced the ground shaking for about a good 10 seconds or so. We're at the 8th floor of a 10-storey building here in Eastwood. It was pretty strong. I was surprised it was pretty much business as usual here. No one seemed to care that much, people were aloof for the most part. I was kinda expecting more serious reactions. I guess people were waiting to see if there'd be an alarm or something, just as what happens during earthquake drills.

Celtic Magic

Ray Allen drills a gamewinning, buzzer-beating trey to give the Boston Celtics an improbable victory over the stunned Charlotte Bobcats, 96-95. The Celtics improve to an NBA-best 11-1 record.

Enjoy.





If you don't like this, you don't like NBA basketball.

Another set of dumb aspiring beauty qeens

I caught the television feed of the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant last night. Sadly, none of the contestants can speak english. And I don't even mean good english, just plain english. What can I say, this has been the trademark of most local beauty pageants. That said, they should just taken out all the speaking portions.

It must've been a nightmare for the foreigners watching to decipher what the contestants were saying.

Our condolences

We took off for Sucat late this afternoon to drop by the wake of our HRBP teammate's mom. She passed away last Sunday after years of battling cancer. She was 53.

May she rest in peace.

Dunk you very much

UNC All-American Tyler Hansbrough stuffs one over a hapless Iona defender. Enjoy.

Farewell Boss!

The RD folks hosted a despedida for their beloved boss (also my former boss at WFM) last night. It should have been a surprise but I think he had an idea already. After the IBM dinner, some of us trooped to Jay-J's in Ortigas for Roy's farewell treat.

We all wish him the best in his new role with his new company. Break a leg, Boss! Make sure it's not yours though.

Previous Post:
Goodbye and Good luck

Boston is 7-0

The Boston Celtics remain as the lone unbeaten team in the NBA. They sport a flawless 7-and-oh record heading into the fourth week of regular season play. All but one game were blowout victories.

Don't look now but the Celtics are rising fast in most of the NBA rankings. With a few more convincing wins, they will knock the Spurs off the top of the chain.

Kelly's Comeback

My uber-crush Kelly Rutherford (Melrose Place, E-Ring) is back on the tube! She stars in Gossip Girl, a TV teen drama based on a popular novel series of the same name, as socialite Lillian van der Woodsen.

Kelly's hotness is off the charts!

See my prior Kelly post:
E-Ring

I had no internet connection over the weekend because I think my broadband has been temporarily suspended. It's the government who pays for it so maybe they forgot to settle the bills.

I'm in the office now (it's late Sunday night) trying to get some work done. And no, it's not just my fantasy leagues.

Stupid suicide

The Philippines is going gaga over some 11-year-old girl from Davao who committed suicide because of poverty.

I'm absolutely bamboozeld as to why there's such a big fuss. It's plain dumb to take your own life to begin with. Plus there's a bunch of people who die everyday - from accidents to murder to what-have-you and people don't give a fuck. Why the hell should people give a fuck now? Cause it's a poor little girl who hung herself to death?

Please. Get over it and move on.

Former politician cheats death

A former politician was involved in a nasty car accident recently. The van he (his wife and some companions) were riding was bulldozed by a speeding truck at the corner of Pasay Road and Osmeña highway in Makati City. The wife died almost instantaneously. The ex-senator, on the other hand, is in critical condition. He is being treated at Makati Medical Center's ICU.

That's karma working for everyone. He's notoriously known for representing and defending big time criminal elements in court. It's quite a drastic change considering he used to be a human rights activist during the Marcos dictatorship.

Now that he's given a new lease in life, I suggest he cleans up his act. Else, karma will be swooping back in no time.

Juvenile firestarter

A 10-year-old boy started one of the worst (of many) Califiornia wildfires last month by playing with matches. This kid's carelessness led to 3 injuries and destroyed 21 homes in the LA County area. Prosecutors need to decide whether to charge the boy or not.

I say yes. The kid should be liable for his stupidity. His parents should be included in the charges as well.

I can just imagine if I end ip losing pretty much everything due to some dumb kid playing with fire. All hell will break loose.

We learn

I had to make a big decision not too long ago. I felt it was the best decision at that time. Looking back though, I'm not so sure anymore.

People make mistakes. Always. And it happens to the best of us.

We learn.

Post-Halloween observation

I've seen a ton of photos and videos about the recent halloween celebrations/parties here in Manila and overseas. I noticed something eerily similar about all the festivities.

I think it's now an annual affair where women are allowed excused to dress slutty, minus being labeled as whores.

You'll never get enough of the sexy cop, the slutty nurse, the lusty librarian, the hooter girl, the hot flight attendant... The list just goes on and on.

I love halloween.

Gilbert Arenas got punked big time

Not too long ago, Gilbert Arenas aka Agent Zero wrote this on his blog:

So listen here. On November 2nd, we're going to go into that building, we're opening up Boston. Right now I'm telling the Boston fans: You guys are going to lose. It's not going to be a victory for Boston. You might as well just cheer for me, because Boston isn't winning in Boston for the season opener. I'm sorry.

Well, guess what? The Boston Celtics massacred the Washington Wizards earlier today, 103-83. Now, Agent Zero, what's your excuse? What the fuck happened to your guarantee?

I suggest he shuts down his blog soon.

Seriously.

KG beastin' on Zero

UNC is preseason #1

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels are the preseason favorites to win the 2008 US NCAA Men's Basketball crown. They came up ranked first on both national rankings - the ESPN/Coaches and the Associated Press (AP) polls.

They return three starters from last season's Elite Eight team, led by perennial All-American Tyler Hansbrough.

The Heels are back where they belong, on top of college basketball. Can't wait 'til the season begins in a few weeks' time.

Saints they're not

I find it annoying that most people visit their dead relatives on November 1st, which is All Saints' Day. Are they not aware that their dead aren't saints?

Trinity University (NCAA D-III) laterals its way to victory

For those who understand American Football, you gotta check this vid out. Trinity University were down against Millsaps College (22-24) with 2 seconds left. They need to score a miracle touchdown to win.

They did just that.



Crazy stuff.

Did You Know?: Random IBS trivia

...that when I joined IBS in early 2006, we were only about 400 employees. Now, about 20 months later, we're more than 1800 already.

...that when I joined IBS in early 2006, we were occupying four floors (Cyberone) in Eastwood. Now, about 20 months later, we have a total of nine floors spanning three buildings (Cyberone, IBM Plaza, 1800).

NBA Tipoff

The NBA season officially kicked off today with a triple-header. It's still a long time 'til the Finals in June, but I hope the Phoenix Suns go all the way.

Tricks no treats

The office turned out to be a daycare center because of the annual Trick-or-Treat festivities for the children of IBM employees. A lot folks, yours truly included, got seemingly annoyed at the insane number of noisy kids, some of which were crying their hearts out.

Ugh. Someone shove candies down their throats. Please.

Trying to get back to ballin

I played basketball yesterday after a long layoff. Last time I was on the court was during the company sportsfest about a month ago. I tried playing with an injured ankle then, and I didn't last long on the floor. I could hardly move and I didn't have lift at all.

Yesterday was different. My ankle was feeling way better, though it's still a bit swollen on the lateral side. My lift is back as well and I could run with the best of them. I'd say I'm at about 80-85% match fit compared to about 50% four weeks ago.

I really need to see my doctor. It's been almost eight weeks and the swelling still won't go away.

Erap gets release papers

So the deposed former president was released the other day on the basis of the executive clemency granted upon him by President Arroyo. It's the first time (ever) that Erap acknowledged GMA as the country's chief executive. It's about time he starts licking her chops because she did him a huge favor. Imagine being free now considering he was just convicted a few months back.

I don't like GMA's decision to pardon Erap. I was present in Edsa Dos and I feel all the efforts of the people are put to naught with what seems to be a politically-motivated call by Arroyo. I'm guessing it's mutually beneficial arrangement. I-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine sort of deal.

But, come to think of it, Erap has served more than six years in jail detention. Plus he's over 70 years old. And my God, have you seen the condition of his mother? It's so terrifying, it makes me think twice about reaching old age. And no way in hell I'm exaggerating.

That said, pardoning Erap may not be that bad after all.

Random musing: Which is worse?

Celebrating someone else's misfortune or wishing against someone else's wishes?

Beantown Biggies

It sure is fun to be a Boston sports fan nowadays.

The New England Patriots are tearing up the NFL, beasting over their opponents by an average of three touchdowns and then some. It ain't even fair anymore. They're just too damn good.

The Boston Red Sox are in the World Series, two games up over the suddenly hapless Colorado Rockies. It very well looks like the Sox will be getting their second chip in four years.

The Boston Celtics had a really awful 2006-07 season. Help is on the way though as Boston prepares a comeback having traded for All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. They now boast of a big three (along with Paul Pierce) that can mix with the best of them.

Don't look now, but there's a possibility of having three major sports championships in Boston by next year.

Glorietta being shut down

I just read over the papers that Glorietta (yes, all four wings) have been closed indefinitelyuntil further notice.

For the uninitiated, Glorietta 2 was rocked by what was perceived to be a bomb blast almost a week ago. It resulted to about 11 deaths with over a hundred injured. Police authorities aren't ruling out an accidental blast caused by leaking gas.

Now I guess more and more people will be trooping to nearby Greenbelt and posh Rockwell.

Blast gone wrong

I had to wake up early to get my ass to work by 8am because of an emergency. We had to go into crisis management, firefighting mode so to speak.

Having to get up by 7am is a alredy a personal crisis by itself.

Goodbye and Good luck

I've had a lot of colleagues who've left IBM to move on to other endeavors. It's just natural for other companies to pry the IBM think tanks away by enticing them with extravagant offers. While some promise the moon, others will include the sun and the stars as well. It's hard to turn them down.

It's quite different though when the person leaving is one of your mentors. You throw out protocol and you begin to wonder why. Nevertheless, I'm sure it's going to be a great opportunity for him.

Good luck, Boss.

Knocked Up is not a knockout

I came across someone's online review of the comedy movie, Knocked Up. I had to a double-take because the girl rated it a perfect 5/5. I watched it the other night and it was anything but nice. Yeah it had its funny moments but it's definitely not I-like-it-I'll-recommend-it material. In fact, if it weren't for hottie Katherine Heigl, I swear I could've dozed off.

Giving this a perfect rating means this can be lined up with the likes of Gladiator. Now, that's sacrilegious.

I'm dreading wondering what other movies this person likes.

Stress and shopping

I was feeling a bit pissed lately. So how does one cool off the steam? Retail therapy baby! I just blew out on some Diesels and Antiks.

Retail therapy can get expensive, but hey, it always works. I'm feeling way better now.

Overplayed apologies

You fuck up. You apologize. You make amends. You go on like nothing happened. You fuck up again. You apologize again. You make amends again. You go on again like it never happened.

Sadly, it's a neverending cycle.

Sorry ain't an excuse to keep fuckin' up.

Alphabet Soup

I finally got my Alphabet Air Max 1's earlier. Apparently, they tried to deliver it a couple of days ago but no one had authorization to receive it on my behalf. So I had to pick up the package myself at the PhilPost EMS main office in Pasay. I have to admit it was a bit of a hassle going there but I'm not complaining.

Chicosci for FOB

It's been about a month since American pop punk band Fall Out Boy flew into town and rocked the Araneta Coliseum. I just want to give a shoutout, albeit delayed, to my good friends from Chicosci, who opened for FOB. These guys have truly gone a long way since our high school days.

Good job!

Did You Know?: Random DLSU fact

...that since 2001, only six (6) of La Salle's basketball players student athletes have graduated. Mind you, most of these players students used up all their five years of UAAP eligibility yet they never finished school.

These are the six who played for got their degrees:

Renren Ritualo
BJ Manalo
Mika Vainio
Mike Gavino
Tyrone Tang
Cholo Villanueva
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Why am I not surprised?

Kicks like these ain't free

I've seen spectacular goals from awesome set pieces, but I've never seen anything quite as jaw-dropping as this one.



How can you defend a free kick from near the halfline circle? This is like checking a shooter from halfcourt in basketball. Absolutely insane.

Wow.

Confessions of an Ebay whore

I just bought a pair of retro Nikes (AM1's baby!) over at Ebay a few days ago. I just received word that it got shipped out earlier today. Buying/paying is the easy part (word to PayPal), now comes the hard one: waiting.

I've ordered tons of stuff online. Come to think of it, I copped about six items the past week. Anyway, some packages come in a few days, others maybe a few weeks. Longest I've waited was about 25 days. Shortest? Overnight.

So far, so good though. Haven't missed any packages up to this moment. PhilPost seems to be on point, at least as far as I'm concerned.

Off I go now, gotta keep track of the items on my watchlist. =P

No more HK

Alright, so I'm supposed to be in Hong Kong right this very moment, but I'm not. Had I decided to go, I would've left for HK Friday night, and would be arriving back in Manila by Tuesday night.

But no, for the second time this year I had to cancel on a previously scheduled trip. I should never do another impulse booking anymore. I just end up throwing away cash.

Hung Over

It's been awhile since I got myself buzzed on consecutive nights. Hangovers are a bitch (or bitches?).

Punyeta

I'm so pissed right now if someone makes an unwarranted remark, I'd kill.

Comeback Kings

Props to the De La Salle Green Archers for winning this season's UAAP Men's Basketball championship. They missed out last year as they were suspended due to cheating eligibility issues. A stellar comeback season indeed.

I just hope they don't return it at some point due to another anomalous scandal(think Benitez/Gatchalian). Kidding aside, they whacked UE big time and they probably deserved it the most.

Will to Win: Pacquiao vs Barrera (Rematch)

Marco Antonio Barrera's (potential) last bout proved to be anything but spectacular. He clearly veered away from a slugfest with Pacman, perhaps avoiding a knockout loss in what seemed to be his final boxing match in an illustrious and hall-of-fame career. In the end, MP proved to be the superior fighter, easily routing the Baby-faced Assassin to a unanimous decision.

Time to hang up, Barrera. It's been a good run. MP, on the other hand, has quite a number options he can choose from. Regardless of what he does, it'll surely be another huge payday for the Filipino champion.

Tiu-perman & Pacman

I heard through the grapevine that Ateneo's main man Chris Tiu is joining the showbiz ranks. According to the news, he will be appearing in a late night sports-oriented show, sharing hosting duties with boxer extraordinaire Manny Pacquiao. Both have been signed up by the kapuso network, GMA7.

If this report is holds water, I guess this is GMA's answer to ANC's very interesting, candid and no-holds-barred sports talkshow, Hardball.

MP wears the Swoosh, while Chris dons the Three Stripes. Not sure how their sponsors feel about this team-up considering they're fierce rival competitors.

Fr. James A. Martin, SJ (1902-2007)

Most of us know or at least have heard about the Fr. Martin Cup. It's the country's premier college preseason basketball tournament before the corporate-sponsored leagues surfaced (Nike, Fil-Oil, Flying V, etc).

Let's take time out to ackowledge the person behind the name.

Fr. Martin brought modern basketball to the Philippines in 1928. He was one of the founders of the NCAA, and is considered the father of Ateneo basketball.

The Ateneo community, through Fr. Nebres, received word that Fr. Martin passed away last October 1. He was 105.

Together with the entire Jesuit community, let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.

Nike and Pacman

I was never really a boxing fan. But since our very own Manny Pacquiao will be fighting Marco Antonio Barrera for their much-awaited rematch this Sunday (Manila time), I copped his Nike shirt to show support.

I honestly think success has gotten into his hard head. Anyway, still gotta give some love to a fellow Pinoy.

Go MP!

IBS Championship game on film!

We finally got hold of the videos from the IBS championship game last Saturday. They didn't film the whole game but the 'best and most interesting' parts were captured.

We even heard some folks who were watching from the stands say that the LeNoBo-Allstate match was way better than any Ateneo-DLSU game this year. It didn't even come close. That's IBM basketball for you.

We'll post them on YouTube for the whole public to see.

Soon.

End of the road for Ateneo

In what was probably the most uninteresting of all the games they played this year, Ateneo lost to La Salle, 65-60, in their fifth and final matchup this season. The Green Archers just clearly played better this time. La Salle will meet idle UE for the championship (best-of-three) starting this Thursday.

Graduating seniors Claiford Arao and Zion Laterre have played their last game for Ateneo. Good luck to both of them in their future endeavors. Ateneo should be back stronger next year with NCAA Juniors MVP Ryan Buenafe (San Sebastian HS) and Tiong Lian MVP Justin Chua (Chang Kai Shek HS) enrolling next school year.

If it's any consolation, Ateneo still wins the season head-to-head series with 3 wins against 2 losses. The two losses though were the once that counted the most.

Talking smack

Of course, leave it to an injured me to create some buzz and excitement during the game. I was playing with a bum ankle and I was about 50% fit. In any case, I was bound for the primetime. Had I been 100% healthy, I would have let my game do the talking. But I'm not and I wasn't so I couldn't. I did let my other 'game' do its talking.

Big mistake for these Allstate cats is to engage me in a jawing match. No one jaws with me. Well, there are some but they all end up on the losing side. I'm a cerebral trash-talker. Chances are, you ain't smart or good enough to withstand my barbs. I'm one heckuva badass on the court. You just don't want me to get in your head. That's suicide for most of y'all.

Hell, I'm so good I wouldn't want to face myself in a jawing match.

LeNoBo is king of IBS Basketball

LeNoBo completed a magnificent season with an exciting 61-60 triumph over a taller, supposedly much-heralded Allstate team to capture the 2007 IBS Basketball Championship earlier at the Meralco Gym.

What initially seemed like a LeNoBo rout took a interesting turn in the latter part of the fourth quarter. It was neck-and-neck as LeNoBo was maintaining a three point lead with about two minutes left. Then came the drama. I gave up a hard, competitive duty foul to prevent an easy Allstate fastbreak opportunity. During the ensuing deadball, the dude I fouled picks up the ball, turns around and throws a fastball towards me. Too bad for him I've outstanding reflexes, not too mention I was a first team soccer goalkeeper most of my life, so I was able to coral the ball. Seeing the asshole trying to man me up, I almost charged him at full speed but cooler heads prevailed. I would've killed the dude's knees as they were wobbling like Pamela Anderson's boobs. All this ruckus almost incited a bench-clearing melee.

Dude was thrown out of the game, but so was I. This was probably to appease the Allstate crowd because they were getting rowdy. Oh yeah, did I mention they have the most annoying fans? Think Erap/FPJ supporters on a picket. It was our pleasure to finally make them shut the fuck up.

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Kudos to JP for a spectacular scoring game with his points coming mostly from his patented floaters (word to Tony Parker). He was subsequently named Finals MVP. Good job, men.

Shoutout to the rest of my LeNoBo teammates. Til our title defense next year....

Ankle check

I played for the first time in four weeks last night. I was trying to see how my ankle will hold up after severely tearing all ligaments last September 1st. It's still swollen around the lateral malleolus and it's still painful as well. Prior to walking on the court, I had to make sure it's heavily taped for support. I don't want to tweak it and damage it any further. I've a big game this Saturday.

Needless to say, I had a really bad outing last night. Had no lift and I was favoring my left foot so much I think it got to my head. That's rare cause injuries don't usually bother me. Save for a gamewinning trey and a few nifty assists, it would've been a forgettable comeback try.

Then again, it was a sweet gamewinner. It should boost my confidence a bit heading into the IBS championship this weekend.

Impatiently queueing at BDO

I went to BDO right after the Ateneo-DLSU game. Since it was about 5:45 pm, I thought I'd breeze through the bank to pay some bills. I got in with two people in front of me as we lined up at the counters.

Lo and behold, there was this IBMer who took forever to pay her bills. I guess it's the first time she's paying via check because she hardly had any idea what to do. Worse, the teller asked her to rewrite her payment slips thrice!!! Oh my golly. All in all, it took the lady about twenty minutes to finish. Judging from how she looked, she must've been in her 30's.

Naman. Sometimes, there are some dumb folks who get past recruitment. Hopefully, the smart ones outnumber them.

Ateneo 65, La Salle 64 (Final Four Game 1)

For the third time in four games, Ateneo's Chris Tiu delivered in the crunch as the Blue Eagles beat La Salle, 65-64, in their Final Four matchup. Tiu, whose jumpers have been deadly all season long, went unorthodox this time as he drove to the basket and scored on a tough layup with 7 seconds remaining. Bader Malabes' potential gamewinning trey from the corner was offline.

As DLSU holds a twice-to-beat advantage, Ateneo forces a knockout affair (the fifth Blue-Green game this season) this Sunday, September 30.

Winner goes on to meet UE in the finals, while the loser goes home.

IBS Final Four: No PG, no problem

PG could stand for either point guard or my initials as I sat out due to injury. My badly busted ankle is still a bit swollen, though it should be fine for next week's championship game. My team didn't have a natural floor general to run the show and they missed my league best 8.7 assists per game.

Ultimately, I wasn't needed so I had the liberty of sitting this one out.

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LeNoBo held off a seemingly close first quarter with TASC-CCC, then used a strong second quarter run to build an early double-digit lead. The surge was anchored on a relentless swarming defensive stance that forced turnover after turnover. These led to easy baskets on transition. Soon enough, the LeNoBo offense was running on full speed erecting a big 22-point cushion in the third period.

TASC-CCC made a run in the fourth with a barrage of treys, to narrow the gap to 13 points, 60-73. A quick 8-0 LeNoBo retaliation ignited by back-to-back three-pointers quickly extinguished whatever hopes they had of a comeback.

I'm still wondering how the hell on earth could this team think they could beat us. Should anyone of you know the answer, please drop me a line.

Final score: Lenobo 81, TASC-CCC 60.

LeNoBo had four players score in twin digits (Herbert 19, Gian 17, JP 13, Emer 10).

Next game: the Finals, vs. Allstate, September 29, Saturday, at the Meralco Gym.

UAAP Final Four (3rd vs 4th): Ateneo 69, UST 64

The Blue Eagles had a spectacular second half, slicing through UST's supposedly tough defense like a with surgeon-line precision. Ateneo had superb contributions from rookies Mike Baldos and Nonoy Baclao, while holding off UST stalwarts Jervy Cruz and star newcomer Khazim Mirza to subpar performances.

Sorry Pido, your boys aren't tough enough. Obviously, you aren't too, crying like a effin' baby. Next time, shut your mouth and stop talking trash.

Ateneo meets La Salle again, for the fourth time this season, this Thursday. An Archer win will send them to the Finals against UE, while an Ateneo victory will force a rubber match next Sunday.

IBS Final Four

The elimination round officially ended last night as the last game was played at Club 650. TM Power narrowly edged Center IT with a 58-57 win. The Transition Management team (1-2) settles for third place in the Dayshift division, while IT is deadlast with a winless record (0-3).

The Final Four cast is complete. Nightshift-A winner Allstate will meet Dayshift second-placer P&G, while Dayshift champion LeNoBo will square up against Nighshift-B winner TASC-CCC.

LeNoBo and Allstate are early favorites to clash for the championship.

The Final Four matchups will be played this Sunday night, September 23, at Club 650.

ADMU-DLSU Round 3 goes to the Archers

Most Ateneans saw it coming. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

Ateneo lost a heartbreaker to rivals De La Salle, 69-70, to fall down to third place in the standings. As a result, the Eagles will face UST in a win-or-go-home showdown, with the winner advancing to meet second-seeded DLSU in the stepladder Final Four format. La Salle will hold a twice-to-beat advantage.

With about 9 seconds to go and the Green Archers leading by three, Ateneo squandered a chance to tie the game with Zion Laterre taking an ill-advised midrange jumper for two points instead of passing it on to an open teammate for a trey. It was an apparent lack of concentration on Zion's part that nullified Ateneo's chance to send the game into overtime.

It'll be difficult but at least Ateneo isn't out of the running yet. They need to conjure three straight wins (one against UST, then two over DLSU) in order to book themselves a ticket to the Finals against a well-rested UE squad.

Cheerdance Booboo

As an Atenean, I couldn't resist posting this. Though most of the Philippines has probably seen tons of it already.

Enjoy.

WTF?!

I can't believe Ateneo lost to lowly NU. As a result, the Eagles failed to clinch second seed. They didn't seem like they had their hearts in the game. I guess they took the Bulldogs lightly and lost their focus along the way.

Or maybe they just want to face DLSU again, for the third time this season. After all, we own La Salle this year. I foresee another blockbuster game this coming Thursday.

The Craft

I found myself at the wrong end of corporate politics. It's like a neatly executed behind-the-back pass off a fastbreak (word to Steve Nash), it's effin' annoying if you're on defense.

It's difficult when some witches are doin' full-court press (word to DLSU). Gotta keep my head in the game.

UE 92, DLSU 84 OT

I thought no other game could match both Ateneo-DLSU elimination round games in terms of sheer intensity and excitement.

This one almost pulled it off, if not for UE's blowout win in overtime.

As a result, UE sweeps the eliminations, and books a ticket to the finals. La Salle drops to third place.

Psy-War

Someone sent me a message this morning. It went something like (in Filipino), "How's that? You'll be playing us next."

Not sure if it was a threat, a mockery or what not. All I said was, "Good luck."

GUILTY!

As expected by many, deposed president Joseph Estrada was handed down a guilty verdict at the promulgation of his plunder case earlier this morning. He was acquitted on the perjury charge though.

He got a bit of reprieve though when the Sandiganbayan allowed him to serve his reclusion perpetua sentence at his Tanay resthouse, where he has been detained the past six years. It's a far better place than the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, where big crime convicts are sent to rot.

Erap on trial

It has been six long years since former president Joseph Estrada was evicted out of Malacañang. He's been on house arrest ever since. By tomorrow, the country will freeze, everyone will be tuned in, as the Sandiganbayan will hand down its verdict on the Erap's plunder trial.

Most of the educated bunch are hoping for a guilty verdict. I want to see him get sent to Bilibid. It's about time he finally goes home.

DLSU gets owned again; Archer does a Tessie Oreta

Ateneo posted a sweet, comeback victory over archrival La Salle, 89-87. Chris Tiu nailed the gamewinning three, off an Yuri Escueta dish. The Archers had two final cracks at the basket, but JV Casio missed a jumper while douchebag Rico Maierhofer's putback came in after the buzzer.

Replays clearly showed the ball still in his hand as time expired. You know how stupid this guy is? He jumped and danced around foolishly (word to former Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta), acting like he tied the game for La Salle. How embarassing, not to mention plain dumb.

It's official, Rico Maierhofer is the new Allan Evangelista.

Bred is the new Hitch

Don't go driving down the lane like Earl Boykins, when Alonzo is standing by (word to Dikembe). Lakas ng loob lang yan, men. Think Jordan during the flu game. All guts, all heart, no fear.

Glory Road

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The long and winding glory road

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
September 6, 2007

Texas Western won the NCAA basketball championship in 1966, the first team to start five black players in the title game. If you want to know how well that went over, understand no one even bothered to bring out a ladder for the players to climb and cut the nets.

Nevil Shed had to hoist Willie Worsley up on his shoulders to do the honors.

And the traditional trip to appear on the "Ed Sullivan Show?" Yeah, that never happened either. Instead they got hate mail and death threats by the bucketful.

The Miners received a heroes welcome back in El Paso, Texas. They were the stuff of legend in some black communities. And in terms of changing the face of college athletics, they broke down racial barriers, particularly in the South, where teams and leagues were still all-white.

But for the most part, Texas Western's championship went off with little fan fare nationally and soon enough faded in memory. By the late 1970s, players would meet people and have to explain the entire thing.

"Some people knew but nothing like they would today," Shed said.

Which is what made their gathering Thursday for the ultimate of basketball honors, all that more incredible.

The men of Texas Western, the team that was once despised, then nearly forgotten (and certainly long underappreciated), will be enshrined Friday in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Forty-one years after they made history, history now has a place to always remember them.

The Hall of Fame is always about waiting. There is five year minimum after a playing career ends, and even then only the most select talents make it on the first ballot. Even great players have to sit and wonder if a new crop of voters will deem them worthy. Coaches meanwhile, continue to pad their resumes in an effort to gain entry, a lifetime's worth of work.

But maybe no one has waited like this team. In a basketball sense, they haven't done a single thing since March 19, 1966, when they upset Kentucky 72-66 to win the title.

And as profound as their historic and social impact was – "(they) literally got thousands and thousands of black kids scholarships to college," said Nolan Richardson, the former Arkansas coach – that was mostly accomplished by the mid-1970s.

Since then, nothing changed; except, of course, America.

What was once met with disdain, if not outright hostility, is now almost universally celebrated. What was once seen as an aberration is now understood.

Back then the coach, Don Haskins, was blackballed by the establishment for starting five blacks – imagine someone winning a NCAA title at age 36 and not receiving a single major conference job offer? Today he is hailed as a courageous icon.

Back then the players were hit with rumors and untrue news accounts about how they weren't real students or had criminal backgrounds. Today they are fathers and grandfathers, college graduates, each one having enjoyed an honest and successful life.

Back then the media attacked, most famously Sports Illustrated which claimed Haskins exploited the black players (it even ran an illustration of him stuffing a black kid into his shirt). Now the team is the toast of the country, treated to glowing accounts in newspapers, magazines and televisions specials.

Back then the NCAA immediately dispatched an investigator down to El Paso (he found no broken rules). In 2006, the same organization honored the team at halftime of its national championship game, exactly four decades after no one bothered with the ladder.

"Life moves on," said Shed. "Things change."

Even at the turn of this century, the story was painfully undertold. In 1998, I was working as a writer and editor for Basketball Times magazine when I first heard the story in detail. It was such a fascinating tale that I couldn't believe I hadn't heard it countless times before.
Intrigued, I went to El Paso and wrote about it and the Miners coach, Don Haskins. A few years later the two of us wrote the book "Glory Road," part of a wave of attention and recognition that grew so big it has stunned everyone on the team.

There was the Disney movie of the same name, two Wheaties boxes and an actual naming of a "Glory Road" in El Paso. The players have been hit up for media interviews ranging from local papers to national television.

President Bush hosted the team and their families at the White House for a screening of the film. The NCAA did its part. The team went to Europe to visit U.S. troops. Players, especially Shed, began making speeches around the country.

"It's strange, especially after all those years of not getting any notice or press for doing what we did," said Jerry Armstrong, a player who went on to become a championship high school coach in Missouri. "The momentum just grew and grew."

Even so, no one ever dared dream of the Hall of Fame. Haskins, who won 719 career games at Texas Western/UTEP had been enshrined in 1997. That seemed like it.

Then one night last year, Steve Tredennick, who played for Texas Western from 1962-65 and had become a representative for the 1966 team, was scanning the Hall's website. He noticed some entire teams had been enshrined, most recently the Harlem Globetrotters.

"I thought, 'well, what the heck?'" Tredennick said.

Tredennick is a bulldog of a Texas attorney, a man adept at making things happen. He immediately wrote an email to Hall president John Doleva, asking about the nomination process. Doleva wrote back the next day. Less than a year later the team was in, technically a first ballot choice after all.

"The players have deserved this for decades, I'm just thrilled," said Haskins, who won't attend the event in part beacuse of health and in part because he wants the focus to be on his players. "I've always gotten too much credit. I'm more excited about this than when I got in."

The question almost everyone asks is how did this team fly mostly under the national radar for nearly 40 years?

First, the immediate negative media attention was crushing. This was not treated as a great moment for America. The team dealt with articles that ranged from thinly veiled rips to out and out attacks, lies that stuck. "We were pariahs," Haskins said, who even at 77 wishes he could get his hands around the neck of a Sports Illustrated editor and "drag him through the weeds a little bit."

Then there was the sheer remoteness of El Paso, the West Texas town seven hours from any major media market. Even as the story stayed alive there, it only received sporadic national attention.

Finally there was America's appreciation for what had happened. That a team of blacks, whites and a Hispanic, led by a ferociously stubborn coach and playing for a diverse, progressive school, turned the sports world upside down with one single game.

"History is made when you don't know it's being made," Armstrong said.

For their part, the players, now all in their 60s, are anything but bitter at the delay. They are embracing it, proud they are all going in together and making the most of the time that has passed.

"What's truly amazing is my kids and grandkids are around to appreciate everything the team did," said Armstrong, who like everyone else brought his entire extended family.

So they've gathered one more time, this time in Springfield. Old men full of youthful wonder, still a bit stunned they are joining the legends of the game. And, of course, they've brought along some bottles of old Scotch because after all these years no one is going to blame them for acting like college kids.

"It's like old times," Shed said. "The personalities haven't changed. But instead of talking about girls we say, 'Those knees look terrible.' Or, 'I take this medication. What pills do you take?'"

The only disappointment is the one missing player, Bobby Joe Hill, the team's star guard who passed away in 2002. It all came too late for him. His wife Tina (their romance was featured in the movie) and other family members, however, will be there, as proud as ever.

And so too will be a big, framed picture of him. His teammates have taken the picture of Bobby Joe everywhere during these past few years. It attended the Hollywood premiere. It traveled to Europe. It met President Bush. It got propped up at a mob-scene book signing in El Paso. It was held on center court of the RCA Dome, cheered by 60,000 fans.

"Our team is not a team without Bobby Joe's spirit," Shed said. "The closest I can get to having him with us is by carrying his picture."

And so Friday, he'll carry it, carry it right into the Hall of Fame, the most glorious and eternal of all the stops on this winding glory road.

Shed even promised to hoist it up high, just like he did with another teammate 41 years ago, back when not everyone was celebrating what these kids from Texas Western had just done.

Dan Wetzel is Yahoo! Sports' national columnist. Send Dan a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Thursday, Sep 6, 2007 11:06 pm, EDT

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I just watched the film, "Glory Road", last night over at HBO. Powerful stuff. It's the kind legends are made of.

Relocating again

I just moved workstations again, for the nth time.

To sum it up, I've had 7 workstations, in 5 floors, of 2 buildings. All in 18 months. That's an average of 9 weeks per desk.

Hassle, eh?

Grade 2 sprain

I went to the Medical City to pick up my x-ray plates and have my ankle checked as well. I set up an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. Like what I mentioned previously, no fractured bones but my doctor says that with the amount of bruising and swelling of my ankle, I probably tore all three major ankle ligaments. He only sees a Grade 2 sprain though, which would sideline me for about 3-4 weeks. With proper healing, I can get back sooner though.

I'm trying to determine if I can return by September 22, which is the semifinal round of the IBS Sportsfest. I'm not convinced I'll make it in time, but who knows... I normally recover beyond expectations.

Negative for fracture

I went to the Medical City's ER a few hours ago to get my ankle checked. The findings were negative for any fracture, which is good. However, I think I'm looking at a Grade 2 or 3 sprain. Sometimes, fractures (stress or non-displaced) are better because bones heal in as quick as four weeks and it's as good as new. While major sprains, on the other hand, can take 4-8 weeks to heal and they tend to be prone to reaggravation.

I'll find out the extent of the damage by Tuesday or Wednesday when I visit my orthopedic surgeon. I've a big game on the 22nd, I'm crossing my fingers hoping I can return just in time.

Don't tell me I'm injured again

I might have fractured my left ankle earlier today. I was playing ball at Moro this afternoon when I landed awkwardly on someone else's foot after a rebound play. I heard my ankle crack, about three times I think, reminiscent of the time I broke my right ankle about two years ago. I swear I've heard those cracking sounds before.

It got swollen immediately, but the swelling wasn't as severe as it was the first time. I have inflammation the size of a pingpong ball. Believe me it was much worse when I snapped my right ankle before. This gives me a bit of hope that there's no fracture. I'll find out by tomorrow. I would've gone to the emergency room tonight but the strong rains are preventing me from going to Medical City.

I'm hoping for good news tomorrow. Crossing my fingers here.

JR-isms

Bred is the new Dude; Men is the new Pare. Like hekhek was once the talk of the town.

Yeah, men.

IBS Sportsfest: LeNoBo 84, TM 52

No one gave them a chance. We didn't either.

LeNoBo proved to be too much to handle for the Transition Management team (TM), as we cruised to a comfortable 84-52 win. It completes a three-game sweep of the elimination round earning ourselves the top spot.

JP took scoring honors with 21 points. Hustlin' Herbert added 16. Gian and Bon had 12 each.

As the number one team in the Dayshift group, we are set to meet the winner of Nightshift group 2 in the semifinals on September 22. We'll find out our opponent in the coming days. It'll either be Avon or TASC-CCC. We wouldn't mind either way.

Next game: Semifinal round on September 22. Opponent and venue still to be determined.

MAAI Semis: Escaler United 82, IBS 72

It's over.

We lost our semifinals match against much-heralded Escaler United earlier this evening, 82-72. Everyone including their mothers were expecting a blowout victory for Escaler, as they rolled over all four of their prior assignments with a 37-point average winning margin.

We stuck with them right from the start, and it was neck-and-neck all through out. Surprisingly, we managed to keep ourselves in the game which no other team was able to do previously. We even squeaked out a 31-28 lead during halftime.

It was still close the middle of the fourth quarter, when foul trouble did us in. Several key players went down one by one and Escaler was able to pull away.

It was a moral victory for us, if there ever was one. No one believed we could keep up, and keep up we did and so much more. We scared the hell out of them and we had a chance to win as well. Talk about heart, guts, and passion.

As a consolation for the loss, we settle for third place in the 8-team division. Considering we are a rookie team, that's not a bad achievement at all.

Being team captain, I can say I'm proud of my boys. I'd gladly go to war with you guys again.

Ugly young'ns

I was watching a Little League World Series game over at ESPN a while ago. Japan was playing Curacao for the international championship. Winner will face a US team for the world title.

One thing stood out though. Japanese kids do not look good are just plain ugly. No offense meant, just truth be told.

MAAI Quarters: IBS 82, L Boys 61

We had our quarterfinals matchup versus the L Boys earlier. Winner moves on to face topseeded and heavy favorite Escaler United tomorrow in the semis.

(We had played them previously, during matchday 2 of the eliminations already and we were able to secure a comfortable 67-53 win.)

It was a run-and-gun affair the entire game, with IBS repeating over the L Boys, 82-61. It seemed like a low-scoring game at first, with both teams being held under six points for nearly half the first quarter. Scoring picked up at the start of the second, with IBS opening the floodgates with a barrage of quick transition baskets fueled by a very impressive defense.

IBS held on to the lead and never looked back racing to several double-digit leads throughout the second half. The margin ballooned to over 20 points during the fourth period as both teams will not let up on their transition game.

Gian led all scorers with a game-high 21 points. JP was a close second with 20.

Next game: Semifinal round, vs. Escaler United, August 26, Sunday, at Club 650. Another must-win game as the loser goes home.

Hidalgo adventure

I'm not into pictures. But after months of thinking whether I should get a camera or not, I finally decided to take a trip to Hidalgo Street in Quiapo (it's the mecca for photography enthusiasts) to check for cameras. I've heard a lot of good stories about Hidalgo, so I braved the Manila traffic this morning. It was quite an adventure as I'm not familiar with the area. I was pondering on taking the train, but I was scared I'd get lost in the Manila jungle. That being said, I just took a cab.

It was hella chaotic there though. There were just too many vendors, too many hawkers, too many people in general. I've heard of people getting mugged in Quiapo so I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. Carrying along my ThinkPad didn't help my cause either.

It was all good though. I bought an Ixus 70, which was exactly what I wanted except for the color. I was hoping for the black unit, which was out of stock so I had to settle for the silver. It was about 8.5k cheaper than mall price so it was quite a nice steal.

Now, if only I can find enough use for it.

Libis U-Turn slots rumor

Rumor has it that PGMA got pissed at the Libis traffic recently that's why she instructed the MMDA (through her good ally, Bayani Fernando) to close ALL the U-Turn slots along the national road, between Ortigas Avenue and Santolan Road.

If this is true, what a fuckin' bitch.

IBS Sportsfest: LeNoBo 64, P&G 53

We waited one year for this. Payback is sweet.

(Flashback: Team LeNoBo lost to P&G during last year's sportsfest. A bunch of us never forgot about the loss and we've always wanted revenge. Oh yeah, I tore my ACL during this game too, which provides additional motivation for me.)

We overcame a shaky start and a huge 16-point first half deficit on the way to outgunning the P&G team, 64-53, to notch our second straight victory.

Some missed assignments and bad plays on both ends led to easy baskets for P&G during the first half. Most of them couldn't seem to miss as their shots kept falling, especially from the perimeter. On the other hand, their steady defensive pressure kept us from running our plays. They were successful in denying our big men the ball. The half ended with P&G leading, 36-23.

The third quarter proved to be a crucial turning point. We stepped up defensively while being able to execute crisp offensive plays. A flurry of fastbreak opportunities and low-post shots paved the way for game-changing runs of 12-3 and 14-0 to start and end the third period, respectively. Overall, it was a devastating 26-3 outburst that put us on top. P&G was held to a lone three-point field goal. The third period ended with LeNoBo ahead, 49-39.

P&G was able to trim our lead to four in the early stages of the fourth, 50-46. But this was the closest they got. The rest of the period seemed to be just a formality with LeNoBo playing smart heads-up basketball. Final score was 64-53. Spectacular comeback win for us, as we set our sights on sweeping the eliminations against TM Power (Transition Management) next week.

Gian led three LeNoBo players in double-digits with 16 points. Herbert and JP added 15 and 14, respectively. I chipped in 8, while dishing out 9 assists. Shoutout to Louie for a stellar overall performance.

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This game is one for the ages. Talk about having enough drive and composure to stage a comeback after falling behind by 16 early in the game. After the game, this statement summed it up for us, "Galing."

Next game: vs. TM Power, August 27, Monday, at Club 650

Libis U-Turn slots

I used to like Bayani Fernando. What he did to fix Marikina back when he was still mayor was just outstanding. No one can argue against that. But he's been doing crack ever since he got appointed as MMDA chair. His latest snafu? Taking out all the U-Turn slots along Libis. I think it's plain dumb. He only left two slots: in Ortigas Avenue (under the Ortigas/Libis flyover) and Santolan (under the Santolan/Libis/Katipunan interchange).

Simply put, if you're headed to Eastwood from the Katipunan/Santolan area, you have to drive all the way to Ortigas Avenue to take a U. Fucking hassle.

Someone knock some sense out of the MMDA.

Zoom BB

It's rare that I buy shoes at retail price (or anything near it). Plus I usually don't get basketball shoes not named Jordan. However, I couldn't help but ogle at the Air Zoom BB (white/navy/carolina colorway) when I finally saw them firsthand. I thought I'd better pick up a pair while they're available. I've slept on other shoes and I ended up kicking myself in disgust when I couldn't find them anymore.

Got them at 10% off. Fair enough. They're simply beautiful.

Lip service

I busted my lip playing basketball earlier. I caught someone's elbow on the way down from a rebound battle.

Punyeta. The impact was so strong I thought I lost a tooth or two. My upper lip is swollen and cut but at least it doesn't need any stictches.

Another one of them war wounds.

Mini sembreak

Alright, so the kids are getting a six-day weekend. Classes were called of last Wednesday. It was subsequently cancelled for yesterday and today as well. It's a national holiday on Monday.

Fuckin' eh.

One of the reasons why I miss going to school.

No hope for PAGASA

They didn't warn the public about impending strong rainshowers yesterday. The whole metro was flooded and people were stranded everywhere.

They forecasted a powerful typhoon to hit Manila today, saying it's equivalent to a Signal #4 storm. The government suspended classes for all levels in anticipation of this. Well, guess what? It was absolutely dry the whole fucking day.

PAGASA is stupid. It ought to get disbanded. We can use the funds elsewhere.

Nike Park'd

We dropped by Nike Park at Bonifacio High last night for our almost-monthly Nike shopping spree. My friends and I hauled in around 55k worth of stuff. Of course, Tin hooked us up with her 50% discount.

We were kinda disappointed though, as some of the joints we wanted were either spanking new or they didn't have our sizes. Nevertheless, looking forward to our next trip.

Day over night

The Dayshift team proved that the sun still shines on them as we rolled over the Nightshift folks in our exhibition match this afternoon. This game was part of the IBS Sportsfest 2007 Opening Ceremonies held today at Club 650.

Final score was 53-48. Center Support employees comprised majority of the DS roster, beefed up by P&G, Sunrise and Nomad folks.

IBS 65, Park 9 61

We played our last elimination round game a few hours ago against Park 9 at the Reyes Gym. We held on for a 65-61 win. Our next game will be during the quarterfinals stage in two weeks time.

As always, we started out slow but we were able to get our rhythm by the second quarter. We were able to erect a 10 point lead as the first half ended.

The third quarter was a breakout period for us as we were able to pull away with dazzling displays of an efficient running game. Biggest lead we had was 16. Assured of a win, we played soft and relaxed during the fourth quarter and Park 9 was able to creep to within 2, 61-63. JR Bulaon nailed two crucial freethrows in the final 24 seconds, bringing about the winning margin.

JP had a game-high 19 points. JR added 11.

Our record improves to 3-1, and remain tied with Gayap atop the Division F, Group 2 standings. The hold the tiebreaker though as we lost to them last week.

Next game: August 25, Saturday, at the Acropolis Gym. Opponent is still TBD. It's a must-win game as this is already the knockout phase.

La Salle loses

DLSU lost to the UST Tigers today in overtime. They may have lost more than just the game as JV Casio went down with an apparent hamstring injury late in the game.

Good job.

IBS Sportsfest: LeNoBo 89, IT 44

We had a superb start for the 2007 sportsfest season. LeNoBo, with it's roster running 12-deep, pummeled the IT team, 89-44, last night at Club 650. It was essentially over by the second quarter as the half ended with LeNoBo leading, 38-18.

Excellent overall effort by the team. Our offense proved to be balanced yet lethal as we had six players score in double figures (JP 14, Herbert 14, Gian 14, Pao 12, Yenz 10, Bon 10).

Next game: vs. P&G, August 20, Monday, at Club 650.

IBS Athletic Competition 2007 (IAC 07)

It's time for the annual IBS Sportsfest again. The season formally opens this Sunday, August 12, but some elimination round games have already been played since the start of the week.

Our team, LeNoBo (Lenovo-Nomad-Back office), will take the court tonight for our first basketball game against IT.

Everyone's hyped. Let's get this started.

Rain or shine?

It hasn't been the usual rainy season this year, having far less rains than before. By June, we'd normally have several typhoons lining up to enter the country already. As a result of the so-called drought, our dams are in danger of falling below normal level. If this continues, water might be rationed off to the rest of the metropolis and nobody wants this to happen. From what I've heard so far, we've decided on seeding the clouds to induce rain.

Well, it seems God heard our plight. We've been pestered with strong rainshowers the past few days, with an accompanying storm at that. Classes have already been suspended since yesterday. There's flood everywhere too. People have had to evacuate their homes due to the flooding.

Now, let's decide. We complain when it's too hot and there's hardly any rain. But when rains pour and floods rise, we get annoyed.

Pick your poison.

Love ko 'to (NOT)

I was craving for some twister fries early this morning (around 2:30 am) so I decided to Dial 8-McDo. Apparently, McDonald's 24-hour delivery service ain't round-a-clock after all. They couldn't process my order as there were some technical difficulties.

Yeah sure. What a lousy 24-hour delivery program.

756*

So Barry Bonds just broke the most hallowed of baseball records, he's now the all-time homerun king. He sneaked past legend Hank Aaron with a fifth-inning shot today, his 756th career homerun, over centerfield. Washington's Mike Bacsik is the unlucky pitcher who surrendered the milestone homerun.

Of course, this record comes with the most tainted of controversies. Most of the whole world believes that Bonds is/was juicing himself with steroids. It's something he has never admitted to but everything points out to him being guilty. On paper, Barry Bonds may be number one. But in the eyes of many (yours truly included), Hank Aaron is still the king.

That is, until A-Rod slugs his way to breaking the record in a few years time. This time, the world will cheer. So will I.

Sean Kingston is the new Ne-Yo

"Beautiful Girls" is 2007's "So Sick". Everyone and their mothers are humming along this song's feel good tune. It's a certified number one hit.

Not bad for a 17-year old kid.

Team IBS gets stunned, drops to 2-1

Gayap 65, IBS 58

We lost a game that pretty much everyone expected us to win. And I guess complacency did it for us. We came in celebrating the victory already. We came out disgusted and annoyed.

This serves as a gut check for everyone.


Next game: vs. Park 9, August 11, Saturday, at the Reyes Gym

DLSU loses to Ateneo; DLSU protests game

It's been hogging the local sports headlines the past week so I might as well comment on it.

DLSU filed a protest over Ateneo regarding their first round game last week. According to La Salle, the Blue Eagle coach Norman Black fielded American Kirk Long and Aussie Zion Laterretwo foreign players at the same time. UAAP rules state that two foreign-born players are allowed to in a school's roster, but only one may play on the court at any given time.

Admittedly, Ateneo did make that mistake and it was an honest one. There was no clear intention of gaining any unfair advantage. In fact, the moment Black realized the mistake, he quickly pulled out Long, sending Jai Reyes in to replace him. A technical foul was called thereafter because Jai ran on the court without notifying the table officials.

The violation did not have any bearing on the outcome of the game. The UAAP's Technical Commitee ruled in favor of denying DLSU's protest as a result.

It's interesting to know also that DLSU is probably suffering from memory loss. Reports are saying that in 1991, La Salle fielded Dwight and Elmer Lago (both American citizens) together for about ten seconds in a game. The opposing team filed a complaint after but it was turned down because it did not affect the result of the game at all.

With precedence in mind, the UAAP should concur with the Technical Committee's decision to junk the La Salle protest.

My message to Lasallians: go and accept defeat. Let's be sport, not sour and sore losers. There's still the Round 2 game anyway.

Celtic Pride

I'm officially jumping on the Boston bandwagon.

And this is exactly why:

What's up, East?

Destination: HK

I just booked a trip to Hong Kong for October. And I (we) still don't know where we'll be staying. What the heck. It's still a couple of months away anyway.

Beefed up Celtics

The sun hasn't shone on the NBA's most successful franchise since their last championship two decades ago. They haven't had an all-world player since the legendary Larry Bird left in the early 90's.

After toiling at the bottom of the league for years, they're back in the spotlight. The Boston Celtics just acquired superstar Kevin Garnett via a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He joins two more All-Stars, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in forming what could be the best big-name trio in the NBA today.

With such an awesome nucleus, they just need to fill in the gaps with quality role players. Despite the lack in depth, I think they have a very good chance of winning the East next season.

If Cleveland won the East last year with only Lebron James, imagine what the Celtics can do with the Big Ticket, The Truth and Jesus in one roster.

We'll all find out in a couple of months. This is going to be exciting.

The boys are back!

Entourage, HBO's top rated series, returns to Asia for its third season. It premiers tonight at 11pm.

I know this side of the world is late when it comes to television series. But I ain't into dvd's and I don't like watching via the internet so I'll be more than happy to get my weekly Entourage fix through HBO.

How'd ya like us now?

So much for the DLSU hype-machine. Two straight losses: a blowout and a heartbreaker.

They got run over by UE last Sunday and they bow down to Ateneo today, 80-77, in overtime. Admittedly, it was a very entertaining game. Definitely one for the ages.

Archer JV Casio played the game of his life but somehow disappeared in the extra period. Atenean rookie Kirk Long delivered a clutch performance, proving his worth as a blue chip recruit. Chris Tiu nailed the backbreaking trey with 20 seconds left.

Awesome end-game composure by the Blue Eagles.

One Big Fight!

Jessica Alba, back in the game

Easily the best news I've heard recently....

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After two-and-a-half years together, Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have split. The 26-year-old actress broke up with Warren, a 28-year-old producer, last week over the phone, sources tell Usmagazine.com.

Sources tell Us that Alba, who was abroad over the weekend promoting Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, called Warren on July 22 and told him, "I'm not in love with you anymore."

Within hours, Alba had dispatched an assistant to the L.A. home they shared to pack up Warren's belongings and move him out.

Warren and Alba met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2005, when Warren (a Yale grad) was the assistant to the film's director, Tim Story. Despite the gap between them on the film industry food chain, the couple were often seen partying at Hollywood events and enjoying romantic vacations from Mexico to Miami.

Just a month ago, Spike TV named Warren the "Luckiest Bastard" of 2007 at their first annual Guy's Choice Awards, due to his relationship with Alba. But now, a source tells Us that Warren isn't feeling lucky at all and is, understandably, very upset. The breakup "happened...almost out of nowhere," the source says. "[Cash] thinks it's for another guy but doesn't know....he's totally devastated. But it was all her." (Alba's rep declined to comment.)

In 2005, a few months into her relationship with Warren, the actress told Cosmopolitan magazine that she could see herself settling down with her new boyfriend for good.“He might The One,” she said in the mag’s March 2005 issue. “The first week that we kind of got together, he gave me a note and signed it with a dollar sign, because his name is Cash. It just said, ‘I really, really like you.’ And that was exactly how I felt at the time.” Alba admitted that her feelings for Warren scared her because they were so strong. “I hated it because it was terrifying that I cared about him so much right away and I already wanted him to be around forever.”

So who will Tinseltown’s most eligible bachelorette go for next – another average Joe or a Hollywood hottie? Alba may already have a few prospects in mind. When Cosmo asked the actress to name her celebrity crushes, she replied: “I would have to say Johnny Depp, Michael Caine...Morgan Freeman, and Jake Gyllenhaal.”

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YYEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Hype and Harry

Until now, I still don't understand the fuss about Harry Potter that's gripping a lot of people. I think it's bullshit + hype + marketing at its finest.

To set it straight, I've never read any book nor have I watched any movie. Got no plans doing so either. The only contribution this whole hullabaloo brings in goes straight to author JK Rowling's pockets. Undeniably, this is a multimillion dollar (or pound) venture.

And she has a bunch of crazed hypebeasts to thank for it.

Dead whistles

I must say that yesterday's game was a brutal one in terms of physicality. The referees were basically letting us play, minus the whistles. It was a heated battle from the get-go. There was a little bit of everything, from trash-talking to cheap shots and hard fouls. I, myself, kept bouncing around like a pingpong ball everytime I drive to the basket without any fouls being called. I only have multiple bumps and bruises across my elbows and knees to show for it. It's all good though as we raced to a 2-0 record, topping Division F Group 2.

We're gunning for a third straight win in two weeks time.

Two-and-Oh

We dumped the L Boys (Ateneo HS 4L 2000), 67-53, during our game yesterday afternoon at the Meralco Gym. Just like our first game, it was close for about three quarters as both teams kept jawing at each other. The fourth canto was a totally different story though as we raced to a huge lead within minutes. It proved to be an insurmountable margin as the L Boys were unable to stage a comeback.

Gian and I shared team-high scoring honors with 13 apiece. JP, Darwin and JV each had 9 points.

Next game: vs. Team Gayap, August 4, Saturday, at the Reyes Gym.

Rehab + Supplements

I'm treating my current bout with knee rehab seriously. I just spent a couple of g's on dietary supplements upon recommendation from several people. They were saying that Glucosamine is good for the joints, cartilages and ligaments. Some folks were swearing over this product. Anyway, I hope these things do work.

Next on my list is a new gym membership. I'm looking to get this done by next week at the latest.

Cleared for ball

Took the day off from work today and will be out on Friday as well. Made the most out of today by seeing my orthopedic surgeon and having my knee checked again. Of course, I needed to tell him that I haven't been the best patient - not going through all my rehab sessions religiously and playing ball again without proper clearance.

Good news is that he officially cleared me to start playing again. He thinks I'm good to go (I thought I was good to go since May). But he stressed that I need to continue building up my leg strenght and endurance. I will try to be a good patient and do it right this time. But there's just too many leagues going on now so I'm not sure how I'll juggle rehab and ball.

Let's see how it maps out. I'm checking myself in a new gym soon.

IBS 75, Ateneo HS 4E98 62

We played our first game yesterday against AHS 4E98. It was a very close affair for most of the game, until we were able to pull away in the end for a 75-62 victory. It would've been a 15 point win but they sank a trifecta at the buzzer.

It was a well-balanced game as we had three people score in double figures - Gian 16, JP 15, and JV 10.

Fantastic start for Team IBS.

Next game: vs AHS 4L '00 - July 21, Saturday, at the Meralco Gym.

Complete Division F statistics available at http://www.gameface.ph/maai.htm.

Friday the 13th

It's been a good day so far. I passed by the post office to pick up a package I ordered online a few weeks back. This plus a few other random good things.

Crossing my fingers, though. The day ain't even halfway done.

IBS Basketball

It has been a dream of the veteran IBMers here at IBS to join a third party league. We've been thinking about it since last year but no one felt the urgency to do something about it.

This time, the dream will finally become a reality.

A group of IBMers, representing IBM Business Services, joined the MPG Ateneo Alumni Invitational Tournament. It will run from July 14 until early September. Venues are at the following: Meralco Gym, Acropolis Gym, Reyes Gym, Club 650 and at The Zone.

Our first official game is this Sunday, July 15, at Club 650

Jordan XX2

Since recovering from my ACL injury, I've gone back to not only playing ball, but buying basketball sneaks as well. Had to stop buying during the time I was out.

I've copped three pairs so far since my return last May. None are better than Jordan XX2's I got last night though. Didn't like the black colorway but I had no choice since the white ones were not available. Was kinda forced into getting them because of my friend's 50% off anything more than 30 days old. I didn't want to leave the store empty handed.

I could've gotten the white ones at some other store at full retail (Php 9,195) but these black joints were too hard to resist at half-price.

I don't like the color, but I'll deal with it.

Advanced Excel Training

It was easily the best workshop I've attended to in my stay here in IBM. Props to all the facilitators for a vey informative and educational two days.

I'm coming out of the workshop with a boatload of usable knowledge.

Goggled

Got the goggles I ordered from the States yesterday. I had the prescription inserts made today. Can't wait to try these bad boys on the court. I'll have my chance tomorrow.

More than meets the eye

Watched Transformers last night. It's fun being able to finish a movie without dozing off as I've done with the last few films I've seen.

Good stuff, except for a few dragging parts. Brought me back some 80's memories. Now they have to do film adaptations to cartoon favorites Centurions, Sky Commanders, MASK, Visionaries.... and the list goes on...


Next target: Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4.0 in the Philippines)

Recruitment gone bad

Many IBMers are dissatisfied with the recruitment team. I will not be surprised if heads roll. I don't think people will mind starting from the top too.

Two gamewinners. Two consecutive weeks.

Nearing full recovery.

Leap of faith

It's been one wild and puzzling week. I don't even know if it's a positive or negative one.

Happily shocked

I was pleasantly surprised by a colleague's comment. Never saw it coming at all. I must admit, it's best thing I've heard recently.

Thanks, Ate. Haha :)

Not so famous quote from His Airness

Michael Jordan was known for his uber-competitiveness. Some people think he went overboard in criticizing his teammates for their basketball skills and IQ (or lack thereof). Most famous among his tirades were to former Bulls Horace Grant, Will Purdue and Stacy King.

Michael had a knack for being selfish, believing that he can do it all.

When told that "there's no I in TEAM", do you know what MJ's response was?

"Yes, but there is one in WIN."

Awesome stuff.

Schadenfreude

Someone's in a shitload of trouble, and I don't know how he'll manage it. Hell, I doubt he can get out of it. Hate to say this, but you're on your own.

Beyond frustration

Now I understand how desperate some people can get. They stoop to levels I cannot even imagine.

A genuine Real Madrid fan

I grew up a Real Madrid fan, but not because of superstar names like Zidane, Figo and Beckham. There weren't any of these Galacticos back in the day.

It was because of my mom's older sister. Soon after graduating college in the late 60's, my aunt moved to Madrid. Apparently, it has been her dream to live and settle in Spain. She was your typical European football fanatic. She loved Real Madrid, and hated Barcelona. She'd show us photos of her in the famed Santiago de Bernabeu, Real's legendary homeground. She always made it a point to send us (well, me in particular cause I was the footballer in the family) Real Madrid kits - jerseys, shorts, socks, collectibles and memorabilia.

She loved Spain, she loved Real Madrid. She was your typical football fanatic, until the day she passed away, one morning in December of 1996.

With this latest Madrid triumph, their 30th Spanish league title, I'm sure she's delighted. With Barcelona finishing second, I'm certain it makes it all the more special.

Real Madrid, back on top of Spanish Football

Real Madrid completed an improbable season, by doing what it did best this year: coming from behind.

Falling behind 1-0 since 17th minute, the Galacticos intense offensive barrage led to three goals in the second half. Supersub Jose Antonio Reyes levelled for Madrid off some dazzling footwork by Robinho and a nifty assist from Higuain.

A Mahamadou Diarra header off a corner kick gave Madrid the lead after 79 minutes, though officially I believe they scored it as an own goal off a Mallorca defender.

A fantastic 25-yard strike from Reyes in the 83rd minute, his second of the game, iced the league championship for the 30th time in Real Madrid history. Seen celebrating with the team were Spanish tennis phenom Rafael Nadal and American celebrities Katie Holmes and husband Tom Cruise, accompanied by Victoria Beckham.

It was a splendid send-off for internationals David Beckham and Roberto Carlos, who both played their last game for the Galacticos.

There's going to be one helluva celebration in the Spanish capital.

Spurs, a dynasty?

No. Sorry. Despite winning three NBA titles in the past five years, and four of the last nine, the San Antonio Spurs shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the Bulls, Celtics and Lakers of decades past.

Try winning three consecutive championships and let's discuss again. The Houston Rockets won back-to-back in the middle of Jordan's two three-peats in the 90's yet they were never considered to be a dynasty. Rather, they were seen as a good team having a good run.

I say that the current Spurs are just having a good run too. And until they hit two, three consecutive chips, they shouldn't be on on anyone's dynasty lists.

The Spurs ain't no Bulls. Duncan ain't no MJ.

SWEEP!

Well, what do you know? The Spurs swept the Cavaliers in four games, just as most people predicted.

Right now, Dwyane Wade > Lebron James.

Enough said.

(Un)Fantastic

Saw the film, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" last night. Not that nice in my opinion. The story was somewhat bland. It lacked the appeal of the previous one.

Nevertheless, seeing Jessica Alba and Vanessa Minnillo (despite the cameo role) were definitely eye candy. HOT HOT HOT! They more than made up for whatever was missing.

Rollin'

Let's keep this up.

Spurs 2, Cavs 0

As expected, the San Antonio Spurs romped to a quick two-games-to-none lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their best-of-seven NBA finals series. No one is giving Cleveland a chance. And I don't blame them.

The two games failed to draw a large television audience as people at home opted to watch other shows than boring finals matchup. Even the presence of phenom Lebron James wasn't enough to ignite fans across the world. Hell, I'd rather watch CSI than sleep through these games.

I'd say Spurs in four or five games, depending on how they feel.

Outrageous

Picked this up this morning at the Manila Standard Today.

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Greatest of all time?

By Anthony Suntay

NOBODY likes being wrong, but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised.

Before the National Basketball Association playoffs began, I predicted that the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs would meet in the finals, with the Spurs bagging another title for their trophy chest.

The Spurs made it, though the Phoenix Suns sure made it an interesting series.

The Pistons, on the other hand, were defeated by the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers, who I believed were a few years away from being a legitimate title contender.

And why not? This Cavs team is a group in transition.

Two years ago, they changed their majority owner, who then brought in a new and dynamic coach in Mike Brown. They then built around budding superstar LeBron James.

They have a pretty good mix in Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Drew Gooden, Anderson Varejao, Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Alexander Pavlovic and rookie Daniel Gibson.

But I honestly felt that they still needed a couple of quality players to make it to the next level of the playoffs.

But who needs better players when you have King James?

LeBron played like royalty and made a believer out of me in this series. I always knew he was a special player, but to be this good, this early is amazing.

Just look at what he did in Game 5 alone: he scored 48 points—the team’s last 25, and 29 out of the last 30. This against one of the best defensive teams in the league. And he didn’t do it all in the paint. He mixed it up with jumpers from all over the court, going up against double and triple-teams. His final line was 9 rebounds and 7 assists, hitting 18-of-33 shots from the field and 10-of-14 free throws in 50 minutes of play.

Still not convinced?

He became the first player to score 25 straight points in the post season, his 48 were the most scored against the Pistons in over 590 games, that was back in Nov. 23, 2001. It was also the highest scoring game in Detroit by a playoff opponent since Elgin Baylor in 1961 and the most points against the Pistons in the playoffs since 1986 when Dominique Wilkins shot 50.

I believe it now when people say that we are fortunate to be able to watch all-time greats playing their sports during “our time.”

We had Michael Jordan in basketball and Pete Sampras in tennis recently. Now, we have Tiger Woods in golf and Roger Federer in tennis.

Now comes LeBron.

People keep talking about the heir apparent to Jordan. Kobe Bryant comes really close. His unbelievable skills, desire to win and tremendous effort on both ends of the court bring him so close to “His Airness.”

James has most of that, too, he just needs to be a bigger force on the defensive end, but he has made his teammates better and he has already carried them to greater heights.

And he just might lead them to the Promised Land, though I feel the Spurs should still be the favored team for the championship.

But with James in tow, the Cavs feel they can achieve anything.

And why not? After it’s all been said and done, LeBron just could be the greatest basketball player of all time.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports7_june9_2007

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You've gotta be kidding me. That's some strong shit your smoking to say this early that LeBron could possibly be the GOAT.

He's got a long way to go. He ain't even near Jordan territory. And unless he surpasses MJ's unearthly achievements. He'll never be The Next One.

Now, quit that shit and go get your ass off to rehab.